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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$109
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
6 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a Missouri DOR contract license office with required identification, proof of residency, SSN, and Medical Examiner's Certificate. Pass vision screening and CDL knowledge test(s). Pay the CLP fee.
Includes $25 written exam, $10 permit fee, and $9 processing fee
Fee: $44Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a registered training provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Required for all first-time CDL applicants since February 7, 2022
Schedule and Pass Skills Test
After holding CLP for at least 14 days, take the CDL skills test with the Missouri State Highway Patrol or a certified Missouri Third Party Tester. Test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving.
Use same type of vehicle you plan to drive with your CDL
Fee: $25Receive Your CDL
Take completed examination results to a Missouri DOR contract license office. Present current license, CLP, and required verification documents. Pay the CDL license fee.
6-year license for ages 21-69; 3-year for ages 18-20 and 70+
Fee: $40 plus $18 office processingCommercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($44) + CDL ($40) + state skills test ($25); excludes $18 office processing for CDL
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $25
Skills test fee; administered by Missouri State Highway Patrol or certified third-party tester
Three-Part Exam
Skills tests administered by Missouri State Highway Patrol or certified Missouri Third Party Testers; knowledge testing at MSHP Driver Examination Stations only
Third-party fee: $150–$400 (Varies by certified Missouri Third Party Tester)
Scheduling Note
Arrange skills test through Missouri State Highway Patrol or certified Missouri Third Party Tester
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Missouri with a valid Missouri operator's license
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | — |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | — |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | — |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | — |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | — |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | — |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$44
Includes $25 written exam + $10 permit fee + $9 processing
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
6 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Missouri has 20% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Missouri is one of the most saturated cdl truck drivers markets in the country.
Missouri ranks #12 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
6 years
Renewal Fee
$40
6-year term (ages 21-69); 3-year term for ages 18-20 and 70+; plus processing fees. School bus endorsement holders: 1-year license.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Consistent with DOR page content on license terms by age and school bus endorsement
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit a Missouri DOR contract license office within 30 days of transfer of residency. Bring current license, CLP (if applicable), and required verification documents. Federal requirements prohibit transfer of a CLP — only a full CDL can be transferred.
Transfer Fee
$40
CDL license transaction fee; plus office processing fee
Timeline
Within 30 days of transfer of residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening only; HAZMAT knowledge test required if transferring H endorsement
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Missouri participates in the federal military CDL skills test waiver program. Qualified military personnel with equivalent vehicle operation experience can waive the CDL skills test.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Missouri.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Missouri range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Missouri.
Start Your CDL Training in Missouri
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Missouri
Missouri fees include separate office processing charges ($9 for CLP, $18 for CDL) on top of base fees, making the actual out-of-pocket cost higher than the listed fee amounts. School bus endorsement holders are issued only a 1-year license. Skills tests are administered through the Missouri State Highway Patrol rather than through the DOR directly.
CDL Schools in Missouri
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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CDL Driver requirements in Missouri verified against Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: